by Andy Addy
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
I have worshipped at Epiphany Lutheran Church since 1996, and have been on church staff since 1998. So, I think I can say I’ve seen most of the growth and changes in this church and in the community during this time. I’ve certainly seen how our church has grown over the years. I have watched little kids attend our preschool and then grow through the formative years of middle school and high school. I even served as a confirmation guide for some of these kids! I have witnessed those same kids get married in our church, start careers in our community, raise families in our community, and flourish in our church, much like branches on the grape vine referred to in John 15.
As a staff member and a member of Epiphany, I have, at times, been overwhelmed at the number of opportunities I’ve been provided for personal growth. I’ve been involved in prayer services and Holy Week dramas, and I have attended numerous spiritual retreats, where I accepted the Lord’s call to lead an alcohol-free life after one of these men’s conferences. I’ve attended book and Bible studies and have had the opportunity to lead both for adults. I have flourished here at Epiphany like a branch on that grape vine, and I give God and Jesus Christ all the praise and glory that is due to them.
Today’s verse reminds us about what we celebrated on Easter Sunday: the empty Tomb! Both of our pastors have spoken on many occasions of the empty tomb and the promises Jesus offered to us. The angel of the Lord spoke to Mary Magdalene and the other women that had come with her. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” They were told to go spread the good news of the resurrection. The good news has been spread all over the world for more than 2000 years, and WE must continue to spread the good news! What does the empty tomb provide us? It demonstrates the Word of Life with hope that is eternal, and with the love of Christ that heals and redeems us all. The promise of the empty tomb lives among us at Epiphany. We are full of His love and our excitement for future growth is very encouraging.